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March
26,
2008
"We are fortunate to have been able to bring together some of Maryland's most dedicated artists, business professionals, and government and elected officials to guide us in the important task of developing the state's first public art program," said Governor O'Malley. "Moving this program forward has been one of my priorities and is an integral part of expanding the state’s national reputation as an arts leader." Under the direction of the Maryland State Arts Council, the new group will develop guidelines and procedures for commissioning permanent works of art affiliated with state construction projects. The newly appointed commission members convened for their first meeting, March 19, at the Columbia office of member Rand Griffin, president and CEO of Corporate Office Properties Trust. Fittingly, his office overlooks a 30-foot high stainless steel and aluminum sculpture by the late Rob Fisher, called " Dihedrals" (pictured above). For more information, contact Lauren Dugas Glover at the Arts Council, 410-767-6570, or lglover@msac.org
A new monthly report – the Maryland Tourism Monitor – that measures visitor activity, advertising response and state travel trends will be available online and distributed by e-mail with Insights. “The Monitor will let our marketing partners and tourism stakeholders review on a regular basis the impact of the state’s tourism promotion and advertising eforts,” said Margot Amelia, the Office of Tourism’s executive director. “Monthly reports will help to identify both needs and opportunities.” According to the latest advertising conversion study, two out of three people who responded to the Tourism office’s travel advertising ultimately visited the state. This rate - the highest ever achieved by the Office of Tourism – was reported by the Regional Economic Studies Institute at Towson University as a measure of the spring 2007 advertising campaign.
“We're excited to add another communications product to our marketing efforts, especially one that reaches out to people who have already expressed an interest in seeing what Maryland has to offer,” Executive Director Margot Amelia said. “It’s an efficient way to broadcast our message.” April in Maryland features six categories: Spectator Sports, Arts and Entertainment, Great Outdoors, Family Fun, History and Heritage and Insider’s Guide. The newsletter also includes short listings of other events, a monthly event calendar and links for additional information.
Last year, a record-setting 21 million passengers came through Baltimore/ Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, Greene said, adding that Southwest Airlines continues to be the major carrier, servicing 52.5 percent of the airport’s travelers. Air Tran Airways, the second largest carrier, had a 16.4 percent
increase in 2007, moving up to hold 12 percent of this market.
Overall airport traffic in January 2008 topped 1.5 million travelers,
an increase of 4.3 percent over January 2007.
"Our biggest concern was the impact on the staff," he says. "This company (Six Flags) takes its people seriously." Six Flags kept employees on its payroll for an extended time after the park closed. “It made a huge difference,” he says. "I'm still getting calls today from former employees who appreciated what we did." continue
IN THE NEWS: Close
vote keeps tax incentive for Frederick A&E District
Nonprofit legal group hopes to expand its reach
Baltimore/Annapolis among top 10 for youth travel group
UPCOMING EVENTS: BMA opens vintage photography show
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Governor Martin
O'Malley recently named the 
The Office
of Tourism launched its first electronic newsletter for Maryland
visitors March 20, sending out the publication to
30,000 e-mail addresses. Targeting potential visitors to
the state, including those who have requested tourism information,
the monthly communiqué spotlights Maryland events and attractions. 
Linda
Greene, executive director of the 
Terry Prather, president of 
MSAC gallery presents interpretive map exhibit
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